Episcopal Church of the Ascension’s traditional Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper marked its 54th year as approximately 300 people enjoyed pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, juice and coffee.

The Shrove Tuesday meal stems from the English tradition of cleaning all the fats, sugar and grease from the kitchen on the evening before Ash Wednesday, in preparation for the lean Lenten season. The rich foods are cleared or “shriven” from the household.

The tradition at Episcopal Church of the Ascension began in 1959, which, according to longtime participant Jim McCormick, was the year the educational building was finished and the church had a place to hold such an event.

Tal Ruttum was among the originators of the event, and his daughter, Ann Fortune, was among those enjoying the supper Tuesday.

“My father was senior warden of the church when the supper was started,” Fortune said.

Bob Finck, serving scrambled eggs Tuesday night, was also among the originators.

The men of the church prepared for 300 diners, which is the expected turnout for the annual event.